Despite the loss, Washington Football Team quarterback Taylor Heinicke stole the spotlight in Saturday night’s NFC wild card playoff game against the Tampa Bay Buccaneers. Heinicke gutted out one of the more remarkable playoff performances. That’s despite him injuring his shoulder diving for a touchdown in the third quarter.
Heinicke evaded the Buccaneers’ pass rush before getting outside the pocket, scrambling and diving for the pylon. Heinicke acknowledged to reporters after the game, he suffered an AC separation in his non-throwing shoulder on the thrilling play.
He felt a “a click or a pop,” but wanted to gut it out by staying in the game.
Heinicke briefly left the game after Washington’s first offensive drive in the fourth quarter. He went into the locker room with team trainers to be evaluated. However, he didn’t miss a snap, returning to the game at the start of Washington’s next possession.
He then orchestrated a touchdown drive to keep Washington in the game, capping it off with a beautiful dime to Steven Sims Jr. in the corner of the end zone.
Heinicke finished the game completing 26-of-44 passes for 306 yards, one touchdown and one interception. He also added 46 yards on the ground including the diving touchdown. Unfortunately, his valiant effort came up short as the Buccaneers survived a major scare to win the game 31-23.
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